Cocaine is one of the most commonly used illicit substances in the United Kingdom, primarily for recreational purposes. Unlike some other drugs, cocaine has very limited medical use and is not legally prescribed by the NHS or private physicians. It is strictly controlled due to its high potential for addiction and harmful health effects. Cocaine is also frequently included in drug testing panels, especially in workplace and law enforcement contexts.

Medical research and public attitudes toward cocaine remain largely negative, given its risks, but discussions around harm reduction strategies such as supervised consumption rooms or decriminalisation of possession have emerged in some circles. However, any movement toward decriminalisation would still come with strict regulations, including widespread drug testing similar to that for alcohol, due to cocaine’s significant impairments on cognitive and motor functions.